"svn: Malformed network data" error in Eclipse

Posted by Max Dunn Thu, 07 Dec 2006 18:37:00 GMT

Several weeks ago, I changed from a Windows laptop to a MacBook. After I got Eclipse setup and went to check-in some code to RubyForge, I received an error:

svn: Commit failed (details follow):
svn: Malformed network data

At first I figured that this was just a problem with the RadRails Subclipse module on my Mac, but then I tried it on my old Windows computer that used to work fine, and got the same error!

After googling around, it seems that this is a known issue when SVN server is updated to version 1.4, but older clients are used. The clients were fixed in October, but there hasn’t been a new official Subclipse build so the automatic Eclipse update doesn’t help. I spent a day trying to figure out how to compile a new Eclipse version, but no luck.

However, there are two workarounds. First, the svn command line works fine.

The second workaround relies on the fact that the changed files are actually committed, but that the error just prevents the local svn repository from recognizing that. So after the error, doing an “update” will merge the changes and everything will be good.

If you have added or deleted files, however, the update trick won’t work. In this case, it is necessary to delete the entire directory that contains the added or deleted files. Be sure to do this outside of Eclipse with Explorer or Finder! Then update the files and it will bring everything down fine.

Versions

Program Version
RadRails v.0.7.1
Subclipse 1.0.3
svn command line 1.3.1

Fix

Mark Phippard added a comment explaining the problem. Here is a summary:

The issue is JavaSVN. It had a problem talking to Subversion 1.4.x server. RadRails can be used with Eclipse 3.2 and then you can install Subclipse 1.1.9 which includes SVN 1.4 clients.

So I installed Eclipse 3.2 and RadRails on top. However, when I installed Subclipse according to the instructions:

  1. Eclipse: Help => Software Updates => Find and Install
  2. Search for new features to install
  3. New Remote Site
  4. URL => http://subclipse.tigris.org/update_1.0.x

it gave me version Subclipse 1.0.3. The trick to get Subclipse 1.1.9 was to use the update site:

  • URL => http://subclipse.tigris.org/update_1.2.x

November 2008 – New Fix

Well the “malformed data” problem just cropped up again! But the fix is the same as above – just update Subclipse to 1.4.6 using:

  • URL => http://subclipse.tigris.org/update_1.4.x

Posted in ,  | 12 comments

Comments

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  1. Mark Phippard said about 2 hours later:

    The issue is JavaSVN (now called SVNKit). It had a problem talking to Subversion 1.4.x server. Native Subversion clients going back to 1.0.0 should work fine with a 1.4.0 server.

    RadRails can be used with Eclipse 3.2 (it might even include that by default). If necessary, update your Eclipse base to 3.2 and then you can install Subclipse 1.1.9 which includes SVN 1.4 clients.

    Other option is to just use JavaHL. Instructions for getting JavaHL for various operating systems are in the Subclipse FAQ.

    Mark

  2. Max Dunn said 1 day later:

    Thanks for your comments Mark, they were very helpful!

  3. Max Dunn said 1 day later:

    I installed Eclipse 3.2 and updated to 3.2.2. However, when I install Subclipse from http://subclipse.tigris.org/update_1.0.x it gives me version Subclipse 1.0.3. How do I get Subclipse 1.1.9?

  4. Max Dunn said 1 day later:

    I figured it out. You need to use http://subclipse.tigris.org/update_1.2.x (not 1.0.x) to get Subclipse 1.1.9. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!

  5. Michael Nygard said 534 days later:

    I see that you posted this in December 2006, yet the problem still persists in May 2008. Ridiculous.

    Thanks for the explanation. I’ve been about ready to throw Eclipse out the window.

  6. Martin Saeta said 635 days later:

    Thanks for your help, this has been bugging me. I agree with Michael here, today it is September 08, and this bug is still not fixed, ridiculous.

  7. Eric Troyer said 642 days later:

    I’m running EasyEclipse Server Java 1.2.2.2 on my Mac. I tried updating svn using http://subclipse.tigris.org/update_1.2.x but I get an error “Unable to complete action for feature “Subclipse” due to errors. The error says (Permission Denied). Any one know the solution?

  8. Matt said 714 days later:

    I wouldn’t normally yell but: THANK YOU SO MUCH. I have been periodically searching for solutions to my consistent hanging/dropped commit issues and your post was EXACTLY the solution I was looking for. Clear and precise as well. You rock. Thank you again!

  9. Matt said 714 days later:

    Oh uh.. nevermind. Still getting hanging issue. Spoke too soon :-x

  10. Praveen said 748 days later:

    Hi Max,

    This post really helps me. Thanks!!!

    Praveen

  11. tom] said 914 days later:

    thanks u for this help

  12. anshprat@gmail.com said 1021 days later:

    Ha.. Am on leopard and the problem persists till date! Hope your blog helps me with this probs. Thanks in advance. If it doesnt work, I ll come back and ping :)

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